USDA: Oregon's Hunger Rate High, But Starting To Budge

According to a report released today by the USDA, a number of Oregonians still experience "food insecurity," but the rate of those in that position is starting to inch downward.

Food security is defined as "having the ability to obtain enough food to maintain an active, healthy life for all household members." About 13.6 percent of Oregonians- about 491,000- were food "insecure" between 2009 and 2011, down a tenth of a percent from the 2008 to 2010 reporting period. The determination of one's food security is measured by an 18-question survey.

Patti Whitney-Wise is Executive Director of Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, and she credits private and public hunger fighting efforts to help stem the tide. Oregon Food Bank delivered mroe than 80 million pounds of food to Oregon and Clark County, Washington residents.

Of concern to food assistance agencies is the possibility of cuts to the SNAP (food stamp) program.